Spain’s Mar Galcerán has become the first woman with Down syndrome to hold a position in the country’s regional parliament, taking office as a deputy for the Popular Party (PP) in the Valencian parliament last September.
In recent interviews, Galcerán said that she insists that she doesn’t want people to treat her any differently, saying, “I want people to see me as a person, not just for my disability.”
According to News 24, Galcerán’s foray into politics isn’t new; she joined the PP at age 18 and has worked her way up the political ladder, advocating for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities along the way.
“Society is starting to see that people with Down’s syndrome have a lot to contribute, but it’s a very long road,” she told the El Pais newspaper. “True inclusion must start at school at all stages, but if that does not happen, there will be no inclusion and no true integration,” she added.
Agustín Matía Amor, of DOWN ESPAÑA, says he believes Galcerán is the first person with Down syndrome to join a regional or national parliament in Europe. “We haven’t heard of anyone else,” he said. “It’s a huge step forward and an example of real inclusion.”
Carlos Mazón, the regional PP leader, has been supportive of Galcerán’s political journey, and she credited him with believing in her and giving her the parliamentarian spot. “He believes in what I believe, and he has given me a great opportunity that I plan to take advantage of,” she said.
In speaking with DOWN ESPAÑA, Galcerán said she hopes her new position will help remove any prejudices against those with disabilities.”
“People with Down syndrome or other disabilities can do everything,” she said. “We have a lot to contribute to society, and society is seeing it, but it is a very long road. There is a lot to do and that is why associations and families work. The important thing is the person.”
